Do home dry cleaning kits really work?
Home dry cleaning kits like Dryel, Custom Cleaner and FreshCare can be an effective way to stretch your dry cleaning dollar. By “freshening” your clothes between visits, they reduce the frequency of going to the cleaner. These kits use the heat in your dryer to generate steam inside special dryer bags, which activate perfumed sheets that mask any unpleasant odors on your clothes. They also include a water based stain remover for pre-treating spots on your clothes, before placing them in the dryer, which works well at removing water based stains like cola, wine and milk.
However, the instructions for Dryel explain that its designed as a complement to professional dry cleaning, not a replacement. Dirt removal is limited to the pre-treatment step. Home dry cleaning kits don’t remove your sweat residue or the natural body oil excreted from your skin that build up on your clothes as you wear them. They also fail to remove things like ground in soil, ketchup, lipstick, makeup, ink, lint, vegetable oil, butter, shoe polish and pet hair. Also, people who dislike strong fragrances should avoid using these kits. The odor of the perfume used in these products will cling to your clothes for weeks.
Have you tried these kits? If so, please share your experience in a comment and I’ll post it!
Tags: do it yourself drycleaning, dryel, home dry cleaning kit
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November 30, 2009 at 12:00 PM
When I need to wear a garment and don’t have time to have it cleaned first, I use Dryel. It works OK and is a great time saver, but I will only use it once and then have my garment cleaned. Thank you for the information. It helped justify why I don’t use Dryel more often.
June 23, 2010 at 8:12 AM
I would like kto know the cost of dry cleaning women’s sweater sets and a pair of slacks
July 6, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Hi Jean,
We have over 100 independently owned and operated franchises across the country. Our prices vary from region to region. Please call your local 1-800-DryClean franchisee to find specific prices in your area.
August 24, 2010 at 10:30 PM
I used Dryel on a new skirt and it left stain marks all over. Is there a way to remove the Dryel stains?
September 5, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Hi Jody
I am not aware of any home remedies for this problem. I recommend taking it in to your favorite dry cleaner.